World Travel Awards has touched down in Shanghai, China, ahead of the Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2017.

The prestigious event will take place in China’s commercial capital at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai on Sunday, June 4th, with hundreds of leaders from across the hospitality industry expected to attend the glittering red carpet ceremony.

Jeresa Gao and Lin Quan – both hugely experienced as hosts and presenters – will compere the event.

The Gala Ceremony will also showcase some of China’s finest traditions including Kirin - a celebration, through song, of the mythical animals of Kylin who promote peace and prosperity.

Prior to the Gala Ceremony, WTA has arranged for registered delegates and media to explore famous Shanghai attractions.

These include the Yu Garden, the Old City Town, Jade Buddha Temple and Tian Zi Fang area, while guests will also enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Huang Pu River Cruise, on a complimentary sightseeing tour.

Speaking ahead of the event, WTA president Graham Cooke, said: “It is an honour to be welcomed back to Shanghai for the first time since the inaugural World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony in 2008.

“And it is a privilege to host the event at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai combining, as it does, European luxury, Kempinski’s signature flair for service and the dynamism of Shanghai – the city everyone is talking about.”

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

Rudiger Hollweg, general manager at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, added: “We are extremely proud and honoured to host the 24th annual World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, an iconic luxury hotel in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

“We look forward to celebrating the Asian & Australasian best of the best during a spectacular Gala Ceremony event at our hotel.”